A 59-year-old farmer is Thailand’s 25th human to become infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus strain, say officials from the Ministry of Public Health. This is the third human case so far this year.
The man was from Non Bua Lam Phy Province, north-eastern Thailand. He had a fever on July 14th, was hospitalized on July 21st and died on August 10th. The man had fighting cocks, several of which had suddenly died prior to his illness. Officials say there have been several outbreaks among chickens in the area where he lived.
Initial tests, while he was alive, came back negative for H5N1 infection. Samples taken at autopsy came back positive.
17 of the 25 humans who have become infected with H5N1 in Thailand have died.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today